By Stephen Koranda, Kansas Public Radio
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-965916.mp3
TOPEKA, Ks. – The Kansas Senate has approved a bill putting new regulations on abortion clinics in the state. The legislation would also require inspections two times per year for the clinics.
Supporters of the bill say adding the requirements and inspections will ensure the safety of women. Senator Mary Pilcher Cook, a Shawnee republican, brought the bill to the Senate floor.
"I do believe abortion is a greviously mistaken action," Cook said. "But i also beleive we need to help keep these women safe."
Opponents of the legislation say the requirements aren't needed because the clinics are already monitored for safety.
"These clinics that are, in fact, being well-regulated and well-run should not have to go through additional hurdles that will increase the cost to women that can't afford it in the first place," said Senator David Haley, a democrat from Kansas City.
Opponents also said the bill would be a poor use of state dollars. They argue the state would have to hire someone to inspect just three abortion clinics in Kansas that would be regulated by the bill.
The legislation has already passed the House, and will now go to the desk of Governor Sam Brownback, who is expected to sign the bill into law.